When it comes to the survival-horror genre, the "Silent Hill" and "Fatal Frame" franchises are the only video games that can generate such dread, fascination and horror among gamers. With "Silent Hills" in limbo, it's up to "Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water" to keep the genre alive.

"Fatal Frame" followers will have a new location to explore and new ghosts to capture when Nintendo launches "Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water" on the Wii U on Oct. 22. To make things more interesting, and to ensure that fans know what they're getting into, gamers can play the prologue and the first two chapters for free.

According to reports, this is in line with Nintendo's novel "Free to Start" policy. The latest "Fatal Frame" installation will be available for download on the Nintendo eShop and if gamers find that they are up for the challenge (and they like the game), they can immediately purchase the rest for about $50.

Unfortunately for gamers who are planning to wait for the retail release, it has been confirmed that "Maiden of the Black Water" is exclusive to the Nintendo eShop. The company hasn't discussed the reason for it but it is well known that despite the cult-like following that "Fatal Frame" has, the game has not moved a lot of units in North America.

Survival-horror aficionados will love the fact that "Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water" is made up of three different stories that are ultimately connected to each other. The player will be one of three people who can wield the power of the Camera Obscura. And as one who has been blessed (or cursed) with the ability to see the shadows of people who were "spirited away," the player is tasked to discover the truth behind several tragic deaths in a forest infamous for suicides.

During the course of the game, the player will be exploring different locations — a shrine with life-sized dolls, a lake teeming with dead priestesses — that are said to be connected to a stream of water that flows from the mysterious Mt. Hikami.

"Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water" is the fifth game in this illustrious series. The franchise is reportedly gathering momentum again, with reports that a movie and a novel is being conceptualized.